The PURE Project

The PURE (Promoting Unst Renewable Energy) Project is gaining global recognition for its truly ground-breaking work in hydrogen technology, the fuel many energy experts believe will be the main player in a post-oil world.

Such has been the interest in this unique hydrogen facility that it has put the Shetland Isles onto the world energy map providing the opportunity to commercialise the PURE System, create jobs and attracting inward migration and new investment into Unst.

The PURE team also designed Britain’s first licensed hydrogen fuel cell car which has given the project close links with several academic research institutions including Imperial College London, Loughborough University, De Montfort University, St Andrews and Robert Gordon Universities.

The Unst Partnership, a community development agency set up by Unst Community Council, is now building on its success by establishing the PURE Energy Centre Ltd (PEC) to commercialise and further develop their hydrogen-based products.

PEC has designed four other key products: the Hy-Pod, which is a containerised hydrogen generation and fuel cell unit; training courses on renewable hydrogen and its use; consultancy work on renewables and hydrogen; and pay as you go research and development facility.

The PEC has received an equity investment of £150,000 from the local area office of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and £150,000 from Community Energy Scotland (formerly known as the Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company - HICEC).